ADB signs two major climate resilience initiatives with Pakistan
• Projects target coastal protection in Sindh and climate-smart agriculture in Punjab
• Sindh project will benefit over 3.8m people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin, while Punjab scheme will be implemented across 30 districts
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed agreements for two major climate resilience initiatives in Sindh and Punjab, totalling $304.5 million, aimed at enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The agreements were signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Muhammad Humair Karim and ADB Country Director Emma Fan. They include the Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project, valued at $180.5m, and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project, amounting to $124m.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the EAD secretary expressed his sincere appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner and its continued support to Pakistan in advancing climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive growth.
He said the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will promote integrated water resources and flood risk management, restore nature-based coastal defences, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic action planning.
The project will be financed through $140.5m from ADB — including $140m loan and a $0.5m technical assistance grant — along with $40m from the Green Climate Fund and $20m in counterpart funding from the Sindh government. It will directly benefit over 3.8 million people in the Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts.
Referring to the Punjab initiative, he said the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project will enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts in the province.
The $129m project will be financed through a $120m ADB loan, a $4m ADB grant, and $5m in counterpart funding from the Punjab government. It aims to improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart machinery, introduce circular agriculture practices to reduce residue burning, establish testing and training facilities, and empower 15,000 women through skills development and livelihood diversification.
The EAD secretary emphasised that both initiatives are transformative in nature. The Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will safeguard livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity along Sindh’s vulnerable coastal belt, while the Punjab Mechanisation Project will drive sustainable, low-carbon agricultural growth and inclusive development.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan appreciated the Pakistan government’s strong commitment to these initiatives. She highlighted the significance of the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project in addressing climate-induced risks and protecting coastal communities, and described the Punjab Mechanisation Project as a critical step toward modernising agriculture and reducing emissions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the effective utilisation of financing and the timely and successful completion of the two projects.
Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2025
